Ephesians 1:11-14

Ephesians 1:11-14 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of his glory.

We are predestined to be God's children IN CHRIST. Otherwise, there is no other avenue to God except what God has prearranged. The way to God is predestined. And those God knows will choose him are predestined to be his sons and daughters. Some people believe that God chose some to be saved and others not to be saved. That is like saying God chose David to have a sinful affair with Bathsheba or a beloved pastor was chosen to be killed on the highway by a drunk driver. No, the Bible says whosoever will may come to the Lord. Disciples went from one city and region to the next, preaching the Good News. If everything were prearranged, they should have just continued as fishermen, allowing the predetermination of God to fulfill its course in their lifetime. No, the way to God was predestined, and it was through Christ, but God sent his people out to win the lost through the preaching of the gospel.

Paul indicates that he and others who believed were the first fruit of God's salvation plan. They received Christ first by the will of God; then they went out to secure the salvation of others through this same plan. You also were included IN CHRIST when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. You also were marked IN HIM with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a DEPOSIT GUARANTEEING our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession. This gospel of salvation was for God's glory. We who are IN CHRIST walk in this world to reveal his light and love for his glory. As salt and light in the world, we bring the message that Jesus lives and reigns as Lord of all. Our transformation IN CHRIST JESUS testifies to the world that God created people for eternal life, not for destruction. We who are IN CHRIST become God's adopted children, predestined to reveal him to the world as we live righteous lives through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is the message, the heart, of the New Testament.

Since Christ freed us from judgment through his finished work on the cross, we should live our lives unto him in joyful obedience to God's will. When we get married, we reject the mindset and the behaviors of a single person. We try to accommodate the needs of our spouse. Out of love, we focus on pleasing the other person in the relationship, preferring our partner above ourselves. As much as is within us, we attempt to be one with our beloved. If we do not seek this relationship, our marriage will soon fall apart, for a house divided will not stand. God has chosen us to be one IN CHRIST JESUS. If we do not resist our fleshly behaviors, if we hold onto our selfish wills, we will cause ourselves much trouble and eventually lose our joy in the Lord. However, if we wholeheartedly commit to Jesus, our lives will go from glory to glory, and others will desire the love relationship with him that we exhibit. Regardless of the circumstances in our lives, Jesus promised never to leave us nor forsake us. If we have an ear to hear, we will always hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, "My beloved, I have chosen you for my purposes. YOU ARE MINE FOREVER."